This course is tentatively scheduled to be offered in spring 2010.

Learn to attract productive, enthusiastic volunteers to your organization and keep them motivated

Productive, enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers are crucial to the success of any nonprofit agency or community-minded corporation. As organizations nationwide face increasing demands for funding and services, the need to leverage resources is more essential than ever. Volunteers, an important resource, should be managed by professionals trained to handle issues specific to volunteerism.

The Volunteer Management Academy is designed to provide the skills needed to effectively build a successful volunteer program and to recruit, train, supervise, evaluate and retain volunteers. Professional volunteer administrators from some of Houston’s largest nonprofit institutions will discuss the principles of effective leadership and management essential to the lasting success of a solid volunteer program. Participants will acquire a host of tools to take with them into the workplace to ensure a professionally administered and successful volunteer program.

Spring 2009 Course Schedule:

February 19. Introduction to Volunteer Management. Components of a successful volunteer program, from planning to implementation. Defining the roles of staff and volunteers.

February 26. Preparing Your Program for Success. Structuring the volunteer program. Working with management and staff to determine needs of the organization. Developing clear job descriptions for volunteer placement.

March 5. Risk Management. Using risk management to protect the organization, its volunteers and stakeholders.

March 12. Recruiting, Interviewing, Orienting and Training Volunteers. Recognizing the needs of today’s busy, selective volunteers. Key techniques for using the recruitment process to advantage.

March 26. Recognizing, Motivating and Retaining Volunteers. Creative, practical and cost-effective ways to make volunteers feel appreciated.

April 2. Record Keeping and Reporting. The importance of accurate, confidential records. Volunteer recordkeeping software. Using reports to advocate, celebrate, document and publicize your volunteer program’s impact on the organization, the community and the stakeholders.

April 16. Program Evaluation: Measuring the Success of the Volunteer Program. Soliciting feedback from volunteers, staff, the CEO, the board and stakeholders. Ensuring program goals and objectives support the direction of the organization.

April 23. The Viewpoint of the CEO. The CEO of one of Houston’s largest and most successful nonprofits will discuss the importance of gaining support and respect for the volunteer program from top executives. This session will conclude with a moderated panel discussion featuring facilitators from the Academy.

Additional keywords: professional development, nonprofit

Founded in 1973, the Houston Association of Volunteer Administrators (HAVA) exists to educate, empower and elevate volunteer administrators in the Greater Houston area through the delivery of professional and affordable training. Visit www.hava.org for more information.

Course Co-Sponsors